1962 FJ Rebuild - Go original or Upgraded

[dhavis]

My neighbor restores cars for a hobby and he picked up an all original 1962 FJ40 that was being used as a farm truck. Everthing on it is original, not a lot of rust, has the original PTO winch still on it etc. He wants to fix it up and sell it for a profit. He's seen my super modified one so he asks the question... Restore it all original, partially modified like add disk brakes, new winch and bumper, rhino line the inside, or go fully modified???

Remember, he is trying to make a profit on this project, which direction should he go?

Thanks for the input.

Havis

 

[rusty_tlc]

Quantify "Not a lot of rust" it can be deceptive on these rigs. A few bubbles on the surface can turn out to be the tip of an iceberg when you get the wire brush going.

 

[dhavis]

rear qtr panels look good, there will need to be some replacement on the floor drivers and passenger sides. It has not eaten through, but needs replacing.

 

[Nicholas32]

I'd say go partly modified but keep that old crusier feel

 

[1973Guppie]

if he truly wants to make a profit, the older cruisers are not worth as much as the later years, he should first be aware of that. If I were building one for profit I would start with a later year, 73 or above and work from there. It really depends on what HE wants to do with it. The more mods he does the less profit I think in general terms.

Noah

 

[dhavis]

Thanks for the input Guppie, so why do you say 73 or newer?

 

[apeterson]

just look at the for sale section and you will see the price differences...

 

[Bossman]

If it is a clean as you describe then keeping it original, including the PTO winch, will make max $$. Not too many 62's out there in good condition and once you start to mod it to be a better off road truck you won't know where to stop... motor, trans, t-case, axles, lift, disc, ps, armor, etc.. Just my .02

 

[tnt40]

He should sell it for moe than he bought it for now. That's a sure profit. Everything beyond that is pure chance. Unless he has a customer for it before he starts. Parting it out may yeild more of a profit. I have a 1962 that will only be a labor to redo.

 

[67azcruizr]

I agree with Noah in that the more mods/work is done on the vehicle your overhead obviously increases, possibly reducing some of your profit.

the flip side is, the older 40's IMO benefit greatly with a front disc conversion, a 2F upgrade, and a 4speed.

It's all going to be opinions.

Another thing to consider is, is you alter the drivetrain you could always sell the original parts with the vehicle.

alot is going to depend what type of vehicle you want to sell: a stock original or a custom/upgraded.

either one will appeal to two entirely different crowds

 

[wesintl]

IMHO early 40's will not command the $ that takes to restore or restofy. Take a look at ebay, and the sale section here. Even fj25's don't sell for much and they are pretty rare. A restofication, ie 2f, disc brakes, bucket seats etc. will be tough to profit from too since the mods get more specific. etc. THere is an ass for every seat though...

 

[Cruiser_Nerd]

IMHO early 40's will not command the $ that takes to restore or restofy....

x2. Strictly from a mercenary standpoint, the early 40 is a loser. If bought dirt cheap, flip for a small profit. Money is in the later models. ............. the early 40 / 25 restored or restofied is a labor of love. Still waiting for someone to prove this wrong and raise the value of all this early junk.

 

[Degnol]

Here is a nice '62 FJ40 that Poser just built for a guy. A few mods
RamJet 350/350
Turbo 350
and a few other things

 

[1973Guppie]

that things a POS! totally just kidding.

the earlier 40's are harder to do a disc swap too, I have heard it can be done but most likely you will have to swap out the axles to fj60's or later model 40 axles.

I think 75 is a great year cuz it is right in between has some of the later model stylings (I like the flat door handles), 2f and is still SMOG EXEMPT, which is nice here in CA. I will look for a 75 fj40 later to restore.

On the other hand, if you are going to mod the s*** out of the truck, an early fj40 is a good way to go especially if you are just going to use the body, swap axles, engine, dtrain, etc. A good trail truck option I think.

Noah

 

[nakman]

Tell the neighbor to switch to real estate. Sell you the truck for what he got it for, then switch to flipping houses or something, leave the Cruisers for the folks who appreciate them. There's more profit to be had in real estate anyway, easier to grout then weld, and we sure don't need anyone else flipping old 40's for profit... there's enough of that going on already.

just my opinion, surprised no one else said it yet tho

 

[dhavis]

He's a retired guy, this is a hobby of his. I don't think he is only in it for the money, although it would be nice. He's done 3 cars since I've lived here for 7 months, so he's pretty quick. The more he looks at mine, the more work he realizes he's oing to have to do. I did find out it's a 66 not a 62, not sure that changes a whole lot. Thanks for the input.

 

[dhavis]

my 1972 Rig...